The BC Ministry of Environment and Vancouver Coastal Health (VCH) issued a wildfire smoke advisory for the Sunshine Coast and surrounding areas on Sunday, July 5, and the advisory was still in effect at Coast Reporter press time late Wednesday.
Two people were treated for minor respiratory symptoms due to smoke from the forest fire over the weekend at Sechelt Hospital. No one has been admitted since the fire began last Thursday.
VCH medical officer Dr. Paul Martiquet said there have been no presentations at the emergency room regarding air quality or respiratory complaints and he denied – what he referred to as a rumour – that Sechelt Hospital is overflowing with patients.
“In general, family doctors are seeing a few more patients who are vulnerable in terms of monitoring their respiratory status,” Martiquet said.
“There’s been no hospitalizations at Sechelt Hospital that I know of.”
Smoke from the Old Sechelt Mine wildfire and other fires in the Sea to Sky region is affecting communities from Langdale to Powell River. Smoke density is fluctuating due to changing winds and temperatures; however, it is not expected to clear until weather conditions change.
“Really, what we’re hoping for is that the southwest winds continue, and we’re hoping that it blows the smoke away, but it will take a few days,” Martiquet said.
The air quality in Whistler and Pemberton has improved somewhat, but has worsened in Squamish. According to VCH, roughly a dozen people from Squamish, Pemberton and Whistler have been treated for respiratory problems.
VCH has advised people to avoid strenuous outdoor activities and to contact a health-care provider if they are experiencing difficulty in breathing, chest pain or discomfort, and sudden onset of cough or irritation of airways.
“Exposure is particularly a concern for infants, the elderly and those who have underlying medical conditions such as diabetes, and lung or heart disease,” the advisory warned.
People can reduce the risk of respiratory ailments by staying in indoor areas with air-conditioned or circulated air, such as shopping malls, public libraries or arenas.
“Keep in mind that staying indoors may help you stay cool and provide some relief from the smoke; however, many air-conditioning systems do not filter the air or improve indoor air quality,” the advisory said.
VCH has also advised that people refrain from smoking indoors or burning any substances that cause smoke, like incense.
High efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters are commercially available and provide cleaner air in proximity to the device.
Check in with bcairquality.ca periodically for updates on the air pollution in your area.
